Painter Drie Chapek captures the emotion of human spirituality in large oil paintings, on display at the Kirkland Public Library. View open hours.
Featured Artist
- Drie Chapek, Painter
More Information About Paradox
Artist’s Statement
“My work is in abstracting the concept of religious art to such a distance that the specific symbols are lost and only the emotion and spirituality of humanity remains. Using concepts of Abstract painting to evoke emotion with form, color and paint application I attempt to find a core human language. Honest and raw, paint marks build together to lay ambiguous forms, a blurred perspective from the image mimics the internal process of contemplation. The comfort of familiar elements and the opening to the unknown connections, create a conscious space for the viewer to inhabit within the architectural construct of the image. A mental landscape in which to explore concepts of human connection to self, each other, the organic and the space between. Upon closely viewing the paint, depth of texture and application provide a sensual experience that occurs in the third dimension with the body participating with the work in the present moment.”
About the Artist
Born in 1979, color and texture surrounded me in the grasses of the Midwestern plains and Eastern mountains as a child. I was born into a life or death family, my older sister had severe health issues and was not expected to live. She did however, with many operations and medical assistance on a regular basis. My awareness to the presence of living and dying was heightened through my family experience and continues to be processed through my work.
I began painting murals in my homes as a young teenager, then I painted and designed sets for theater beginning in 1995. I was enthralled with the ability to create a view into an entire world. Mid degree, at the University of Kansas, I was drawn to exploring my own themes in Fine Arts. Instantly I found drawing and painting the human figure, landscapes, fruits and plant life provided much needed contemplative time to explore my connection to organic life. I studied abroad in Stoke-on-Trent, England in 2001 and began my studio practice. It was there, that I learned I had a deep desire to create work that observes the visceral, to allow acceptance of it. While visiting many large art museums in Europe I was inspired by the religious art to find a language that could talk about spirituality with inclusion to the human experience beyond specific religions.
All artwork displayed at the Kirkland Public Library Satellite Exhibition is for sale as marked by the Kirkland Arts Center.